I'm contemplating buying another Challenger. Is there a way to tell the difference between the original MRC equipped loco and the improved version without actually testing it? Is there a code or number or some other distinction on the box? Thank you, Otto
I don't think the second (TSU sound)run was improved. The sound had a strong deisel sound at a scale 40mph, of course most of this can be addressed with Cv's. Most importantly, the capacitor is not as large as the MRC equipped, the engine has a much higher stall tendency. The new run will be releases soon. Many of theses issues are suppose to be addressed along with a upgrade to the rods which prevents rod failures. I personally think the best option is a challenger installed with a TSU 750 heavy steam. The engine runs and sounds very good.
Hmmmm...I don't think any Athearn Challengers had TSU decoders stock from Athearn. All decoders were either MRC, or Soundtraxx Tsunami's. I just traded 23 IMR reefer kits for one Athearn Challenger (2nd run) that has numbers and "Union Pacific" on the front shield, and although the decoder's phenolic board was reddish, rather than green-blueish, it also had the MRC decoder...unless TSU decoders' electronics look exactly like MRC's and they sound exactly like MRC's too. There have been announcements, the first in 2006, the second in 2007, and the third in 2009. When they were actually released is a question I don't know the answer to. So, there may have been three runs, or two runs with three announcements. Only the 2009 releases had Soundtraxx Tsunami's factory installed, and (according to my source) they were: (1) UP 3983, in Two-tone Gray (yellow stripes) w/Smoke Lifters and Oil Tender, (2) UP 3958 in Black w/No Smoke Lifters and Coal Tender, (3) UP 3975 in Two-tone Gray (yellow stripes) w/Smoke Lifters and Oil Tender, (4) UP 3964 in Black w/Smoke Lifters and Coal Tender, (5) UP Undec'd in Black w/No Smoke Lifters and Oil Tender, (6) UP 3985 in Black w/No Smoke Lifters and Oil Tender, (7) UP 3707 in Black w/No Smoke Lifters and Oil Tender, (8) UP 3710 in Black w/Smoke Lifters and Oil Tender (9) UP 3977 in Two-tone Gray (yellow stripes) w/Smoke Lifters and Oil Tender You will note that in the 2009 release, there were no Clinchfield or D&RGW Challengers. Checking the numbers and features may assist you in determining if the Challenger you're thinking about has an MRC or a Soundtraxx decoder or not. I am going to assume that the only engines that were duplicated in all three runs would be the 3985 and UP Undec'd, but I am not sure. The only way to know for sure is to look inside the box and if it doesn't contain a remote wireless, then it's a pretty good guess that it's got a Soundtraxx decoder. However, the one I traded for did not have a remote, but it had an MRC decoder, which is fine with me as I replace all the decoders with the Soundtraxx Tsunami Challenger/Big Boy drop-in decoder anyway. In my case, I had to remove the tender body and take a look at the decoder as the sound was so low I couldn't hear it, but that's a five minute operation. Good luck Otto! I've got two on order in the next run for a total of five doing helper service on my layout...all 3700 class. Although I haven't compared the TSU 750 Heavy Steam decoder with the Soundtraxx Tsunami, I am entirely satisfied with the Soundtraxx. The chuff sounds about as good as possible coming out of the little speaker, the rod clank is GREAT when I back off the throttle along with brake squeal, and the whistle (with some fiddling) is spot on as is the bell. I really like the dynamo coming on when I turn the lights on and how they slowly come up...mmmmm...and the acceleration/deceleration rates are long and smooth. Like I said, Soundtraxx, in my opinion, would be difficult to beat...BUT, I do respect Jason's opinion, so the TSU would be worth a look-see if you can find someone who has one installed to run alongside a Soundtraxx equipped Challenger/Big Boy. Couldn't resist...here's my future 3700 class Challenger (gotta renumber it, shorten the drawbar and make a transition era oil bunker) converted to a modern oil bunker at Echo Curve a couple of days ago... Cheers! Bob Gilmore
Hi Bob. Just so people don't get confused: the TSU 750 is a Soundtraxx Tsunami. It is their "micro" version of the Tsunami, which also comes in the TSU 1000 (larger) size. The TSU series of after-market decoders come in light, medium, and heavy steam versions, but they all share the same overall technology. I've used all three of the TSU versions, and aside from some different whistles and a slightly different chuff sound, they are identical. I assume that the Tsunami sound version of the Challenger has a licensed version of the Tsunami technology, and comes with essentially the same sounds and features as the after-market TSU750/TSU1000. So we're all talking about the same thing here. Early versions of the Challenger had an MRC decoder that wasn't all that great. John C.
Pardon my ignorance, but is the Soundtraxx Tsunami that came installed by Athearn different from the TSU-750?
No, the Tsunami used by Athearn is the same as the TSU-750 4664 version. I had to replace an MRC one with the plug in replacement from Soundtraxx and they are the same. You can tell if you have an MRC equipped unit if there is a DC remote control in the box. The Tsunami equipped units did not have the remote.
Is this just as simple as unplugging the MRC and plugging in the TSU-750? What is the part number for the TSU-750 with the plug on it, the only ones I have seen at my local hobby shop did not have plugs on them.
And take that MRC decoder out back and hit it with a hammer! Those D*#% MRC decoders have caused more grief.
Just a point of clarification, because confusion appears to reign. Yes, the late Athearn Challengers come with a TSU 4664N decoder, but it is not a 750 micro; it's almost 3" long, and unlike the micro, it is rated at 1 amp. There have been some reports of the sound being less than impressive, including Jason's. I do not own one, but have other TSU 750 heavy steam, and those are impressive. The only beef I have with those is the lack of starting "swoosh".... Otto K.
OHHHHhhhh....TSU...I get it. Finally (duhhhhhh) I get "TSU" and "TCS" mixed up. I assume that the first word or acronym in front of a reference to a decoder is the manufacturer...not the stock number. On another post, I was using "TSU" and "TCS" interchangeably. I'll have to watch that tendency.
